Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) and Yamaha Motor have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the potential use of the Japanese company’s Fazer SAR uncrewed helicopter system (UAS) for wildfire mitigation and suppression. Oregon experiences a number of <a href="https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/Pages/firestats.aspx">wildfires</a> during the hot, dry summer season, and so far this year the state has had 1,649 fires and 194,949 acres burned.
“As wildfire seasons grow more intense and unpredictable, the need for innovative, flexible,&nbsp;and scalable tools becomes increasingly urgent,” according to ODAV. Evaluation of the Fazer SAR UAS will include testing beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations to help with rapid response for small and emerging wildfires in remote and high-risk areas. The agreement does not commit either party to a purchase or deployment of Yamaha’s UAS.
The Fazer SAR can carry up to 154 pounds of payload and fly 108 nm or 120 minutes, and with optional fuel tanks for six hours. The helicopter’s four-stroke piston engine burns unleaded auto gasoline. The overall length of the rotorcraft is 16.1 feet.
To evaluate the benefits of using the Fazer SAR, ODAV, and Yamaha will consider “operational feasibility, regulatory pathways with the FAA, payload integration, and coordination with emergency response partners.” There could also be demonstration activities or pilot programs after the initial assessments.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Oregon Dept of Aviation and Yamaha Consider Uncrewed Helo for Fire Response

Agreement covers evaluation of Fazer SAR to help mitigate wildfires

The Fazer SAR can carry up to 154 pounds and fly 108 nm or 120 minutes, and with optional fuel tanks for six hours. 

ODAV, Yamaha Exploring Uncrewed Helo for Fire Response

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Twin-engined model will be used mainly for offshore energy industry flights

Airbus Helicopters Marks First H160 Delivery in China

Charlotte Bailey

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

H140 incorporates a new Safran Arrius 2ES engine

Second Airbus H140 Prototype Completes First Flight

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Six of the twin-engined rotorcraft will be operated by China Southern Airlines General Aviation

China’s Skyco Leasing Group Orders More H175 Helicopters

Jessica Reed

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Commercial helicopter deliveries hold steady at 32 units; military program drives strong financial performance

Bell Revenues Surge 28% as MV-75 Program Accelerates

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

French armed forces are set to receive 169 H160M Guépard rotorcraft, starting in 2028

Airbus Starts H160M Helicopter Flight Tests

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Partnership was announced during EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh

Robinson Teams with MagniX To Develop Electric R66

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Deal covers more than 100 helicopters owned by the leasing company

Milestone and Leonardo Sign Power-by-the-hour Agreement

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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